micronutrients - dr. rath health foundation...this study results confirm a critical role of vitamin...

MICRONUTRIENTS –EFFECTIVE TOOLS AGAINST

VIRAL INFECTIONS

A GROWING THREAT OF VIRAL INFECTIONS

We are constantly exposed to viruses in our environment. Viral illnesses affecting humans have been

ranging from a common cold appearing seasonally in various parts of the world, and epidemics of

swine or bird flu, to hepatitis and AIDS.

With a recent outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19, the world is facing another threat that

mobilizes efforts to find an effective treatment for it before more lives are threatened .

While discussions center around finding an effective anti-viral drug or a vaccine, the world seems to

forget that our body and its resources are the most effective weapon against viral flu in all its forms.

© 2020 Dr. Rath Research Institute

2020

Worldwide

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2020

2008 LPAIH5N2 avian outbreak

2009 Pdm(H1N1)09human pandemic

2012 HPAI H5N2 avian outbreak

2013 H7N9 human case

2013 H6N1human case

Pdm(H1N1)09human pandemic

China H7N9

Human cases

China H10N8Human case

HK H9N2Human case

Coronavirus

Taiwan

SARS outbreak

2003 SARSoutbreak

CONNECTIVITY AROUND THE WORLD –

VIRUSUS CAN SPREAD BETWEEN CONTINENTS WITHIN HOURS

Over the years all cycles of viral epidemics have been fought against and conquered by our own immune systems.

Pharmaceutical drugs and medical procedures are not effective against viruses, as they can only help in lessening symptoms of a disease but do not eliminate the viruses themselves.

Therefore it is imperative to enhance our body’s natural ability to fight and eliminate viral infections. Micronutrients are essential tools in supporting our immunity and the natural control of infectious agents.

In order to protect yourself and your loved ones it is important to learn about the basis of viral infections and how to enhance the natural mechanisms that our body uses to fight them.


THIS KNOWLEDGE CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE

Viruses multiply inside cells until the cells explode, releasing more viruses to infect other cells

What is a virus

How viruses infect and spread in the body

The tools our body uses in fighting infections

How our body utilizes different micronutrients

in the course of infection

How micronutrients can control key stages

of viral infections – scientific support from

the Dr. Rath Research Institute

What you can do


WHAT IS A VIRUS

Viruses are tiny infectious agents that can only multiply

when they get inside the cells of a host (e.g. animals,

plants, and even bacteria).

They are made of genetic material (DNA or RNA),

surrounded by proteins and other components that help

them get through the cell membrane and inside of a host’s

cells.

Once inside a cell, viruses highjack its biological systems so

that they can multiply until they destroy the cell and

spread through the body.

Our immune system and our body’s nutritional reserves are

engaged in fighting viruses all the way. But if viruses are not

stopped, they can damage our body’s organs and

become lethal.

Flu Virus

Coronavirus

Genetic information

Different proteins

(color spikes)

that viruses need

to infect cells


HOW VIRUSES INFECT OUR BODY

Viruses can enter us through the nose, mouth or

breaks in the skin. Once inside, they find a host

cell to infect. For example, cold and flu viruses

will attack cells that line the respiratory or

digestive tracts. The human immunodeficiency

virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, attacks the

T-cells of the immune system.

In most viral infections our immune system fights

off the virus.

Antibiotics are not effective against viruses and

most anti-viral medicine helps only in controlling

the symptoms. Micronutrients are the most

effective way to improve immunity and fight

pathogens.Mild fatigue

Cough & cold

Respiratory failure Death


DIFFERENT VIRUSES – THE SAME MECHANISM OF INFECTION

Different

Viruses

Spread of

infection

Enzymes destroying Collagen

Flu viruses look different, but they use the same basic

mechanisms to multiply inside cells and spread in the

body, as illustrated in this graph.

The differences in surface proteins used to infect and

break up the host cells determine their infectivity in

humans and other species (birds, and other animals)

and their health impact in affected organisms.

Because influenza viruses have the capacity to

mutate, or undergo changes in their surface proteins,

they may change into forms of the virus that are able

to infect more easily and pose increased danger to

humans.

Co

mm

on

me

ch

an

ism

s


PROTEINS

• Dietary Fatty acids

• Probiotics

MICRONUTRIENTS

• Vitamin A, C, D, E, B6, Folic acid

• Iron (organic)

• Zinc

• Selenium

• Copper

PLANT COMPONENTS AND OTHER NATURAL COMPOUNDS

• Quercetin

• Lysine

• EGCG and others

Nutrition is critical for healthy function of the

immune system. Malnutrition and micronutrient

deficiencies have been the major contributing

factor to compromised immunity.

Immune supporting nutrients


UNDERNUTRITION

NUTRITION AND IMMUNITY ARE INTERRELATED

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Immunity

Risk of disease

Increased energy needs

Appetite

Nutrient absorption

Calories needed to fight infection

IMMUNE SYSTEM FIGHTERS – THE WHITE BLOOD CELLS

Cells of the immune system have different appearances and

distinct functions in our body. All types of white blood cells

(leucocytes), together with the immune system’s organs, respond

in a coordinated way to every type of infection.

White blood cells are formed in the bone marrow and reach

peripheral tissues through the blood and lymph. The production

of all immune cells utilizes specific vitamins, minerals and other

nutrients.

The first line of defense against pathogens comes from types of

white blood cells known as monocytes and macrophages, which

engulf and destroy foreign invaders.

Longer lasting and involving immunologic ‘memory’ is the

response mounted by other types of white blood cells known as ‘T

cells’ (which are matured in the thymus gland) and ‘B cells’ (which

produce antibodies).

Monocytes

Macrophages

T cells

B cells - antibody

production

Spleen and thymus function


Leukocytes

FEVER

Incubation

Period

RecoveryIllness

Lower blood levels of amino acids, iron and zinc

Retaining of phosphorus and zinc

Deficiencies of magnesium, potassium, sodium,

zinc and sulphates

Urinary losses of vitamins and other nutrients

Restoration of metabolic balance

Start of

infection


DEMANDS FOR MICRONUTRIENTS CHANGE AT DIFFERENT

STAGES OF INFECTIONS

MICRONUTRIENTS CAN SIMULTANEOUSLY AFFECT

MANY STAGES OF VIRUS INFECTION

Virus

Spread of

infection

Enzymes destroying Collagen

The advantage of micronutrients over a single chemical drug is that they can affect multiple stages of infection at the same time. As such they can:

• Kill pathogens or stop their multiplication (vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine, other nutrients)

• Limit spread of infectious agents by strengthening the integrity of connective tissue (lysine, vitamin C, and EGCG inhibit enzymes digesting collagen and increase collagen production)

• Prevent the formation of and eliminate pathogens in their ‘hiding’ places such as biofilm (vitamin C, various nutrients)

• Systemic effect by improving efficacy of the immune system (zinc, selenium, vitamins A, C, D and others)


Micronutrients are essential in fighting

infections at all their stages

Dr. Rath himself and the findings of the Dr. Rath Research

Institute led by Dr. Niedzwiecki have been the source of

innovative scientific results that have been helpful in controlling

earlier virial epidemics such as human influenza and bird flu.

Among other findings, our research documents how specific

micronutrient combinations are instrumental in controlling

the life cycle of a virus and its spread in the body, as well

as in enhancing the efficacy of our immune system in fighting

viral infections.

On the following pages you can learn how viruses affect the

body and look at a few examples from our research

documenting how specific micronutrients are effective in

controlling key mechanisms involved in different types of viral

infection. © 2020 Dr. Rath Research Institute

DR RATH RESEARCH: NATURAL BASED APPROACHES AGAINST

THE THREAT OF INFECTIONS

OUR RESEARCHERS AT WORK


MICRONUTRIENTS AGAINST HUMAN FLU VIRUS

Human influenza virus type H1N1 is the most common cause of human flu in its different outbreaks. This virus is actually a combination of viruses from pigs, birds and humans.

The numbers in the name of a virus identify different types of viruses, based on their surface proteins: hemagglutinin (H type1) and neuraminidase (N type1).

Since there are no effective treatment for flu infections, we tested the effects of micronutrients on various mechanisms involved in the infectivity and spread of this virus. Some of the results are presented below.


HOW MICRONUTRIENTS CAN BLOCK VIRAL INFECTION

AND ITS SPREAD: WHAT WE EXPECTED

Virus uses Neuraminidase

to enter the cell

Virus’ Neuraminidase and cell entry blocked by nutrients


Human flu viruses (H1N1) use the enzyme

Neuraminidase located on their surface to infect

cells, and then release multiple copies from the

host cells in order to spread.

In our study we tested whether micronutrients

can decrease the activity of this enzyme in

human cells and, in addition, inhibit its

production.

If micronutrients can prevent the activity of

Neuraminidase, they can effectively inhibit the

virus’ ability to infect and harm the cells.

The results of our research confirm this effect!

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

ControlEF 1000 μg/mlEF 2000 μg/mlEF 3000 μg/ml

MICRONUTRIENTS SUPPRESS THE KEY MECHANISM

INVOLVED IN INFECTIVITY OF HUMAN FLU VIRUS (H1N1)

Our study results document that

micronutrients can affect the

activity of Neuraminidase linked

to the infectivity of the virus

• Decreased activity of

Neuraminidase by about 70%

Complete inhibition of

Neuraminidase production

in the cells.

70%

Less

No nutrients

Neuraminidase production STOPS

Without Neuraminidase the flu viruses (H1N1) are not able to infect cells

Inhibit Neuraminidase production

Black line indicates the presence of Neuraminidase

With nutrients

En

zym

e A

ctiv

ity

in

%

Control Increased nutrient concentrations

R. Jariwalla et al. Biofactors 2007, 31; 1-15

Decreased Neuraminidase activity


-50

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

450

Control NM 10

μg/ml

NM 50

μg/ml

NM 100

μg/ml

NM 500

μg/ml

NM

1000

μg/ml

MICRONUTRIENTS INHIBIT MULTIPLICATION OF FLU VIRUSES

IN INFECTED CELLS

Multiplication of viruses STOPPED

Influ

en

za A

ntig

en

(u

nits/

ml)

Increasing concentrations of micronutrients

Our study showed that a specific

micronutrient mixture can inhibit the

multiplication of the human flu virus

(H1N1) in infected cells.

The results on this graph show that a

specific micronutrient combination can

stop the multiplication of viruses in the

cells.

Exposed to higher micronutrient

concentration – these viruses can’t

multiply at all!.

R. Jariwalla et al. Biofactors 2007, 3;417-425 / R.Jariwalla et al. Biofactors 2008, 33;61-75

Micronutrients can stop viral multiplication in infected cells


R. JARIWALLA ET AL. BIOFACTORS 2007, 3;417-425 R.JARIWALLA ET AL. BIOFACTORS 2008, 33;61-75

NUTRIENT SYNERGY MORE EFFECTIVE IN SUPPRESSING INFECTIVITY

OF HUMAN FLU VIRUS

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

% o

f C

on

tro

l

Concentration of Nutrient Synergy in μg/ml and

Vitamin C in μM

Vitamin C

20% decrease

Nutrient Synergy

71% decrease

Our study documents that a

synergistic combination of vitamin C

with other micronutrients is more

effective than vitamin C used alone

in decreasing the multiplication of

human flu viruses.


DIETARY INTAKE OF VITAMIN C PROTECTS THE LUNGS AGAINST

DAMAGE CAUSED BY HUMAN INFLUENZA VIRUS (H1N1)

Infection under

vitamin C

deficiency:

Bronchiole

Destruction

Infection under

vitamin C

supplementation:

Lung tissue

protected

Healthy, not

infected lung,

from wild-type

mouse

This study results confirm a critical role of vitamin C in protecting lung tissue

against damage by human flu virus, which mostly affects our respiratory tract.

The study was conducted using a special strain of mice, which, like humans,

are unable to produce vitamin C internally. Mice on vitamin C deficient and

supplemented diets were infected with human flu virus (H1N1), after which

their lung tissue was evaluated.

A. The results show that mice kept on a diet without vitamin C and infected with human flu virus experienced significant destruction of their lungs

B. Mice infected with the same dose of flu viruses but receiving vitamin C in their diets had their lung structure protected. Their lung structure resembled

the healthy lungs in vitamin C producing mice that were not exposed to this

flu virus (compare to C).

A

B

C


Vitamin C is critical in protecting lung tissue against

destruction by virus

MICRONUTRIENTS AGAINST BIRD FLU VIRUS (H5N1)

Bird flu is an infection in birds caused by

influenza virus.

The H5N1 viruses are taking a huge toll on the

poultry industry, which directly or indirectly

impacts both economic and social well-being

in many countries.

In the past, and now today, they also pose a

threat to humans.


BIRD FLU VIRUS (H5N1) RESPONSIBLE FOR EARLIER

HUMAN EPIDEMICS

The infections by bird flu virus H5N1 in humans can cause a

severe illness requiring hospitalization. This includes the

developing of a severe form of pneumonia that can lead to

multiorgan failure. While up to 50% of humans who contract bird

flu may die from the infection, the actual numbers vary widely

with the strain of virus and the underlying health and age of the

patients.

In most cases the symptoms vary and range from ‘typical’ flu to

eye infections and pneumonia.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the antiviral

drug oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and others for the treatment and

prevention of bird flu, along with supportive care.

Unfortunately, despite their role in viral infections being

unquestionable, the official recommendations exclude the

intake of micronutrients.


Easily spread Rarely fatal

Spreads slowly Often fatal

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Infection only With

micronutrients

With Tamiflu With

Amantadine

Ce

lls

pro

tec

ted

ag

ain

st

da

ma

ge

by

vir

us

H5

N1

( %

)MICRONUTRIENTS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN ANTI-VIRAL DRUGS IN

PROTECTING HUMAN CELLS AGAINST BIRD FLU VIRUS (H5N1)

We compared the efficacy of micronutrients and anti-

viral drugs (Tamiflu and Amantadine) in protecting cells

against damage by bird flu virus (H5N1). The cells were

infected with the virus and 2 hours later were treated

with micronutrients and two anti-viral drugs. The

surviving cells were counted after 3 days of virus

infection.

Our study showed that in already infected cells:

• Micronutrient synergy protects about 90% of cells against damage and death

• Only 50% of cells survived infection in the presence

of Tamiflu

• The antiviral drug Amantadine did not protect cells

from the virus, and the survival of cells was the same

as without any treatment at all (only 20% of infected

cells survived) Deryabin PG et al., Biofactors (2008) 33; 85-97

90% of cells protected

50% of cells protected

No extra protection

Only 20% of cells survive the virus

Mic

ron

utr

ien

ts

Tam

iflu


EXPANDING EFFICACY OF MICRONUTRIENTS IN NATURAL

CONTROL OF OTHER VIRAL INFECTIONS

Although avian influenza type H9N2 is a disease affecting birds globally, its human transmission

has been known since1998 and it was most recently reported in 2019.

Since viruses use common cellular mechanisms to spread, we expanded our evaluation of

micronutrient effects in controlling H9N2 viral infections, which have a great economic toll on the

poultry industry. This information is important as H9N2 transmission to humans is potentially

dangerous.

The results from our in vitro and in vivo studies confirm the anti-viral efficacy of micronutrient

synergy in decreasing infectivity of the H9N2 virus and demonstrate significant protection of the

lungs and intestines, organs attacked by the virus.

In addition, these micronutrients were effective in reducing the pathologic effects of secondary

bacteria infection with E.coli in birds that were already infected with a flu virus. Micronutrients

helped in decreasing tissue damage, diarrhea, inflammation, and other pathologies caused by

concomitant viral and bacterial infections.

E. Barbour et al. Veterinaria Italiana 45; 317-322 (2009),E. Barbour et l., Int J Appl Res Vet Med, 7; 43-49 (2009) © 2020 Dr. Rath Research Institute

MICRONUTRIENTS PROTECT VARIOUS ORGANS FROM

INFECTION BY BIRD FLU VIRUS

With nutrients

Percent of Birds with

Infection-related lesions

No nutrients

Trachea

Intestines 0%

0%47%

23%

Organs affected

by H9N2 virus

E. Barbour et al. Veterinaria Italiana 43; 43-54 (2007)

The study conducted in birds (chicken)

challenged with H9N2 virus showed that

micronutrient intake in infected birds

caused a significant reduction in various

pathological effects, such as the absence

of rales and lesions in the trachea and

intestines, compared to the birds fed

control diets.

These health benefits were associated with

a significant reduction in viral infectivity.


Nutrient Synergy protected the birds against flu virus!

Without

micro-

nutrients

With micro-

nutrients

Another study conducted in birds (chicken)

challenged with H9N2 virus further confirmed the

health benefits of a dietary intake of synergistic

micronutrients in infected birds. Animals receiving

micronutrients had air passages in their trachea

cleared of mucus, higher engulfing of virus particles by

white blood cells (phagocytosis), and enzymatic

destruction of the virus.

In addition, both infected and uninfected birds

receiving micronutrients had much better weight gain

compared to animals fed a control diet.

E. Barbour et l., Int J Appl Res Vet Med, 5; 1-15 (2007) © 2020 Dr. Rath Research Institute

NUTRIENTS SUPPORT THE IMMUNE SYSTEM IN

ELIMINATING BIRD FLU VIRUSES IN A TISSUE

Fewer red spots indicate that the white blood cells

are more effective in eliminating viruses in tissues

YOUR HEALTH IS IN YOUR HANDS

Science clearly confirms multiple health

benefits from vitamin C, the amino acid

lysine, green tea and other

micronutrients, especially combined in

synergy, in the natural control of various

aspects of viral infections.

Take advantage of this knowledge!


micronutrients - dr. rath health foundation...this study results confirm a critical role of vitamin...

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